Two suspects aged 49 and 20 were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team for fraud in Klerksdorp on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, in January 2023, the suspect allegedly approached the service provider in Klerksdorp, where she allegedly introduced herself as a Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) in the local municipality.
“The complainant allegedly told the woman to inform him when tenders are advertised by the municipality. She allegedly told the complainant that she would see what to do. In March 2023, the suspect reportedly had a meeting with the complainant, where she told him that his business partner was awarded a tender by the municipality to collect refuse.
“It is further alleged that, she told the complainant that she is aware that he has rented his trucks to his business partner and that he is also benefiting from the tender. The complainant was allegedly given an ultimatum to pay the suspect R100 000 or the contract will be cancelled and never renewed,” said Mathebula.
He further said the members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team received information about the payment arrangement, which the suspect had reached with the complainant. Mathebula added that, the suspect and her son were arrested soon after being paid R30 000 in cash by the complainant.
“They have been charged with corruption and will appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 24 August 2023,” he said.
Picture: Minister of Police, Bheki Cele visiting families of slain cops in Kimberley/Twitter Â
By OBAKENG MAJE
Minister of Police, Bheki Cele said the fact that, the suspect who allegedly shot and killed two police officers attached to the Flying Squad Unit has had numerous brushes with the law for various crimes such as theft and trafficking, but yet he was a free man is heart-breaking.
Cele said this during his visit to the families of two slain cops today in Kimberley. Constable Okaetse Mandindi (35) and Sergeant Kedimetse Masilo (45) were brutally killed during a shoot-out in Kimberley yesterday.
According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brig Brig Mashay Gamieldien, Mandindi, and Masilo were following up on information about a stolen hired sedan that was allegedly stolen and en route from Bloemfontein when the atrocity took place. She further said, the vehicle was spotted in Kimberley and the two police officials reacted when they spotted it.
“The police officers gave chase and followed the stolen vehicle into the Transnet premises, where the suspect allegedly crashed the bakkie and fled the scene on foot.
“The police officers gave chase and were sadly fired upon, which led to the fatal shooting of them. The armed suspect fled the scene on foot, but was later arrested,” added Gamieldien.
Cele said the slain cops were killed brutally killed by a serial criminal.
“The suspect had numerous brushes with the law. He was arrested for fraud, trafficking, and theft cases. The Police Ministry appreciates the decision by the South African Police Service (SAPS) management to revisit the training of police officers at SAPS training colleges.
“This move comes off the back of a surge in police killings in the country. 31 police officers were killed on and off duty between April and June 2023. The police management used the comfort visit to update the bereaved families on police investigations into the murders,” he said.
Cele said, unfortunately, the arrest of this criminal would not bring back the slain officers. He said it is painful when hard-working police officers, who dedicate their lives to keeping their communities safe are brutally killed by ruthless thugs, even more painful is a case where a suspect has been previously arrested by the police for various other crimes.
“This suspect had no business being out in society as he had several brushes with the law in other parts of the country and should have been behind bars.
“We welcome the commitment made by the National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola to upskill the tactical and street survival training at all police colleges. This process will run parallel with the improvement in the safety awareness programs of operational officers within the service,” said Cele.
Meanwhile, the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola lauded the police for the swift arrest of the suspect. The suspect is expected to appear before the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on a number of charges including two counts of murder.
Setshwantsho: Poloko Sekgopi o latofadiwa ka go teketa lekgarebe lengwe/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Kgetsi ya go teketa kgatlhanong le monna mongwe wa mogwebi kwa Vryburg, e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka Labotlhano. Poloko Sekgopi (39) o tlhotse a shadikantse matlho kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Vryburg, mme seo se tla morago ga gore a latofadiwa ka dikgetsi dile pedi tsa go teketa.
Go kaiwa fa Sekgopi a ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi morago ga go bonwa mo video e tletse-tletseng mo mafaratlhatlheng a boitapoloso a teketa lekgarebe kwa Shell Garage e teng kwa Vryburg ka di 13 Phatwe 2023.
Go ya ka dipego, Sekgopi one a tsena kwa Shell Garage a hupile tedu kwa a fitlhetseng lekgarebe le teng, mme a le tlhasela. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, Sekgopi one a tlhasela le motlhokomedi wa tshireletso yo oneng a leka go tsereganya.
Van Rooyen are, motlhokomedi o, le ene one a bula kgetsi ya go teketa kgatlhanong le Sekgopi.
“Ke nnete, go butswe dikgetsi dile pedi tsa go teketa kgatlhanong le Sekgopi. Mongwe wa ba ngongoregi mo dikgetsing tseno, ona le dingwaga dile 33. Sekgopi o tlhageletse ka bo ripana kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Vryburg mo letsatsing la gompieno.
“Dikgetsi kgatlhanong le ene di ne tsa busediwa morago go fitlha ka di 23 Phatwe 2023. Ga re itse fa bosekisi botla kopanya dikgetsi tseo, kgotsa di tla seka ka go farologana. Molatofadiwa o solofetswe go ka dira kopo ya beile,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Lekgotlha gape le ne la utlwa fa Sekgopi ane a bonwa molato mo kgetsing enngwe ya go teketa ka Motsheganong 2023. One a neelwa kotlhao ya dikgwedi dile tharo kwa kgolegelong e ene ya beelwa thoko sebaka sa dingwaga dile tlhano.
Kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka Labotlhano, fa Sekgopi a buseditswe kwa ntlo-lefitshwana.
Kgabagare, mokgatlho wa baagi wa South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) mo Bokone Bophirima, o kaile fa o goeletsa gore molatofadiwa a se neelwe beile ke kgotlha-tshekelo. Sebueledi sa SANCO mo porofenseng, David Xolile Kham are ba kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya bong.
“Ke ka maswabi go bona motho wa mme a bediwa ke rakgwebo o itsagaleng go tswa kwa North World Circles. Tshotlakako kgatlhanong le bong e goeleditswe jaaka leroborobo mo Afrika Borwa. Jaanong, re rotloetsa banna ba ba dikgoka go ka thusa go aga setshaba se se tsepameng.
“A banna ba atle bomme gona le go ba teketa, kgotsa go ba bolaya. Seo se botsha fa tshotlakako ya bong e sentse ele tlhoba-boroko. Re tlile go ikuela go lefapha la katlatlelo-loago go ka netefatsa fa ba ba sotlakakiwang ba bona bosiamise,” Kham wa tlhalosa.
O kaile gape fa mokgatlho wa SANCO o tlile go sala morago tiragalo e, le go netefatsa fa ba ba molato ba rweswa maikarabelo.
Picture: Nine accused persons appear in court/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Nine people accused of fraud, corruption, money laundering, and contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), briefly appeared at Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col, Tebogo Thebe said the accused no 1, Dr Dion Garvy Theys (56) is the current Head of Department (HOD) of the Northern Cape Department of Health, who was the acting accounting officer during the commission of crime.
Thebe further said Theys was recently convicted on another matter of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). He added that, the matter was also successfully investigated by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team.
“Accused no 2, is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the department, Daniel Mosimanegape (54), followed by Victor Nyokong (41) who serves as Deputy Director of Finance, Montgomery Lifa (39), and Siyabolela Booi (38) both attached to Supply Chain Management section, Goitemodimo Piet Moseki (50) and Dibueng Manyetsa (63) both attached to Communicable Disease section as well as two Company Directors, Kanyaditswe Visser (44), Director of MKV Investment (juristic person) and Kelebogile Bogatso (58), Director of Stilofern (PTY) LTD.
“The Hawk’s Priority Crime Specialised Investigation previously secured a preservation order worth a combined value worth R5.3 million, which included a piece of land and a luxury vehicle (Bentley Continental GT), the order is related to the current investigation,” he said.
Thebe said the Northern Cape Department of Health suffered a loss of R16 906 667.50. in the process.
He said, in line with the government’s commitment to prosecute those who unduly benefitted from COVID-19-related crimes, particularly the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPEs), the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team served nine suspects and two companies (juristic person) with J50 warrants of arrest on 23 August 2023.
The Provincial Head of Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Stephen Mabuela said: “COVID-19 related crimes gave South Africa a bad name domestically and internationally.
“The government has made a commitment to prosecute those involved and our role as the Hawks is to properly investigate the allegations and bring matters to court. We remain undeterred.”
Picture: Msinga United FC’s newly-signed player, Kagiso Nkitang/Facebook
By OBAKERNG MAJE
A former African Stars FC player, Kagiso Ntikang said he is delighted after signing a contract with Kwazulu Natal-based club, Msinga United FC. Ntikang (22), who originates from Sedibeng village, near Taung said he penned a contract that will ensure he stays in Kwazulu Natal for the foreseeable future on Monday.
“I arrived here at Msinga United FC on Monday and the reception was great. The set-up and atmosphere are out of this world. I will ensure that I work hard and assist the team in getting a promotion to the high league.
“My message to the youngsters who are aspiring football is, every time they get into the field of play, they must give their best. You never know who is watching you, so discipline, dedication, and determination are key,” he said.
Ntikang is widely regarded as one of the most talented youngsters in Taung. KG as Ntikang is affectionately known, said he will play as a left-back, which is his favourite position.
Choseng Big 5 Sports Tournament Public Relations Officer (PRO), David Jakwe said Ntikang joined Msinga United FC during pre-season and was officially signed for the 2023/24 season. Jakwe further said they are happy to produce these kinds of players from their tournament.
“Ntikang played his debut match at the Choseng Big 5 Sports Tournament in 2021 wearing African Stars FC colours. However, they were eliminated in their first game by fierce Ntswanahatshe Tigers FC. He made a big return back in 2022 when he played for Danger Stars FC from his hometown.
“Danger FC was crowned as champions of Choseng Big 5 Sports Tournament in 2022 and Ntikang clinched the Youngest Player of the Tournament award. This came after he had an outstanding tournament and his football tactics impressed the judges, spectators, and organisers,” added Jakwe.
He said they wish Ntikang all the best in his new endeavor. Jakwe also urged other aspiring players to take a leaf out of Ntikang’s book and make a positive impact in the field of play.
“Ntikang is what every coach yearns for. So, Msinga United FC made a good signing because the youngster possesses great skill. As the organisers of the Choseng Big 5 Sports Tournament, we are so proud of him. We wish Ntikang nothing, but blessings and success in abundance,” he said.
Meanwhile, the South African Football Association (SAFA) said in a statement, that the SAB and ABC Motsepe Leagues have both proven to be a solid stepping-stone to greater success for a multitude of players, teams, coaches, referees as well as administrators.
“The ABC Motsepe League, sponsored by none other than Patrice Motsepe, is the current second division and overall third tier of South African football which features close to 150 teams.
“Doing well here means teams will be stepping away from the Premier League and this in itself is a huge motivation for players, teams, coaches as well as match officials and administrators who wish to impress, with the aim of moving up into the higher echelons of South African football.”
The league is named after the late ABC Motsepe senior in what is an apt nod to the legacy of a man who was a school principal and committed to the growth and development of youth.
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Rustenburg Regional Court for raping a girl (12). Pusoetsile Seabaneng (23) and his father were tenants at the home of the complainant, who was staying with her grandmother at the time.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the incident took place at Photsaneng village, near Rustenburg in 2016.
“The evidence led in court indicates that, the victim’s grandmother left Seabaneng watching TV with the complainant, as he was a trusted individual, because of their over 10-year stay renting at their home. He then moved closer to the victim, who was covering herself with a blanket.
“Seabaneng subsequently undressed her without her consent, while she was resisting, and proceeded to rape her. Following this incident, he left the house and proceeded to his rented outside room, leaving the child unattended,” Mamothame said.
He further said, the victim then reported the matter to her aunt the following day. Mamothame added that Seabaneng was arrested and charged with rape, but pleaded not guilty to the offense.
In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Aubrey Mataboge urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. Mataboge argued that Seabaneng manipulated the trust that the child had in him.
He said rape is a pandemic that the court has to act firmly against. Magistrate Marion Wessel agreed with the state as she imposed life imprisonment on Seabaneng.
Seabaneng was also declared unfit to work with children and his name will be listed in the national sex offender’s register.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the collaboration of the prosecutor, investigating officer, and the Thuthuzela Care Center for the conviction. She called on an intensified advocacy against the scourge of rape and gender-based violence and femicide.
Picture: The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi at BRICS Summit in Sandton/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The much anticipated Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) Summit kicked off at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg today. The Summit is held under the theme: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism” and is expected to last until Thursday.
The Summit brings together Heads of State and Government from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa with atleast 30 other Heads of State and Government from Africa and all across the world expected to attend.
The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi said they hosted an Investment Forum on Tuesday at Sandton on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Maloyi said the primary objective of this initiative is to promote trade and investment within the province to BRICS nations and the developing world.
“This includes promoting economic collaboration as well as attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) on high-value projects such as the Bojanala Special Economic Zone, which has already attracted 14 projects with an investment pipeline of R13 514 billion.
“We urge businesses to prioritise the province given its immense mineral wealth and natural resources. The province is endowed with mineral resources and forms part and parcel of the richest platinum belt, which accounts for 70% of the total reserves in the world,” he said.
In addition, Maloyi further said, the province currently has over 3000 active mines with investment opportunities ranging from exploration, processing in the form of smelters and refineries, as well as provision of mining equipment among others.
He added that Agriculture and Tourism are also the largest economic drivers in the province.
“The North West is currently the top producer of beetroot, the second biggest producer of sunflower and carrots, and a major contributor to the exports of maize in the country. Investment opportunities in the Tourism sector include resort development at Lindleyspoort Dam, hotel and conferencing facilities at Bloemhof Dam Reserve as well as the Sun City Theme Park.
“These initiatives are aimed at repositioning the province as a preferred choice for investments. We are hard at work to reposition our province as an ideal destination for investments. Last year, we saw mining companies like Sedibelo Platinum Mine investing over R9 billion rand at their operations in Moses Kotane Local Municipality,” said Maloyi.
He said they want to diversify the economy, particularly within the agriculture and tourism sectors. Maloyi said they are currently in talks with various business entities to revamp two airports.
“Our province is a gateway to the SADC region and the revitalization of these two airports will assist a great deal in the movement of goods across various countries in the region and the continent while creating socio-economic for our people,” he said.
Setshwanantsho: Poloko Sekgopi o latofadiwang ka go teketa lekgarebe/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Monna wa dingwaga dile 39 o solofetswe go ka shadikanya matlho kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Vryburg morago ga go latofadiwa ka dikgetsi dile pedi tsa go teketa. Poloko Sekgopi o go kaiwang ele modiri wa masepala wa selegae wa Naledi, one a lelelwa ke ditshipi morago ga go bonwa mo video e tletse-tletseng mo mafaratlhatlheng a boitapoloso a teketa lekgarebe kwa Shell Garage e e kwa Vryburg ka di 13 Phatwe 2023.
Go ya ka dipego, Sekgopi one a tsena kwa Shell Garage a hupile tedu kwa a fitlhetseng lekgarebe le teng, mme a le tlhasela. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, Sekgopi one a tlhasela le motlhokomedi wa tshireletso yo oneng a leka go tsereganya.
Van Rooyen are, motlhokomedi o, le ene one a bula kgetsi ya go teketa kgatlhanong le Sekgopi.
“Ke nnete, go butswe dikgetsi dile pedi tsa go teketa kgatlhanong le Sekgopi. Mongwe wa ba ngongoregi mo dikgetsing tseno, ona le dingwaga dile 33. Sekgopi o ka tlhagelela ka bo ripana kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Vryburg mo letsatsing la gompieno.
“Dikgetsi kgatlhanong le ene di ne tsa busediwa morago go fitlha ka di 23 Phatwe 2023. Ga re itse fa bosekisi botla kopanya dikgetsi tseo, kgotsa di tla seka ka go farologana. Molatofadiwa o solofetswe go ka dira kopo ya beile,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Lekgotlha gape le ne la utlwa fa Sekgopi ane a bonwa molato mo kgetsing enngwe ya go teketa ka Motsheganong 2023. One a neelwa kotlhao ya dikgwedi dile tharo kwa kgolegelong e ene ya beelwa thoko sebaka sa dingwaga dile tlhano.
Kgabagare, mokgatlho wa baagi wa South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) mo Bokone Bophirima, o kaile fa o goeletsa gore molatofadiwa a se neelwe beile ke kgotlha-tshekelo. Sebueledi sa SANCO mo porofenseng, David Xolile Kham are ba kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya bong.
“Ke ka maswabi go bona motho wa mme a bediwa ke rakgwebo o itsagaleng go tswa kwa North World Circles. Tshotlakako kgatlhanong le bong e goeleditswe jaaka leroborobo mo Afrika Borwa. Jaanong, re rotloetsa banna ba ba dikgoka go ka thusa go aga setshaba se se tsepameng.
“A banna ba atle bomme gona le go ba teketa, kgotsa go ba bolaya. Seo se botsha fa tshotlakako ya bong e sentse ele tlhoba-boroko. Re tlile go ikuela go lefapha la katlatlelo-loago go ka netefatsa fa ba ba sotlakakiwang ba bona bosiamise,” Kham wa tlhalosa.
O kaile gape fa mokgatlho wa SANCO o tlile go sala morago tiragalo e, le go netefatsa fa ba ba molato ba rweswa maikarabelo.
Picture: The missing Thato Ralisite found dead in a grazing field/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The body of a missing Thato Ralisite (2) was discovered on Tuesday evening by a passer-by in a grazing field in Myra village, near Pudimoe at around 6pm. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said who was playing outside in the yard of her aunt’s house, went missing on 19 August 2023.
“She wore a red tracksuit top, cream trousers, and pink tekkies during her disappearance. Since her disappearance, a search was conducted by the police, family, and community around the village without any success.
“On Monday, the search continues with K9 and Mounted Units of the police added to the search party. However, nothing fruitful came out of the search too. She was discovered by a passerby in a grazing field in the area yesterday at around 6pm,” she said.
Myburgh said a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of her death.
The Guardian 